Multiple pregnancy is a medical term used to describe the condition where a woman is carrying more than one fetus in her womb. Its spelling can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The word "multiple" is pronounced as /ˈmʌltɪpl/, while "pregnancy" is pronounced as /ˈprɛɡnənsi/. The stress is on the first syllable of both words. The spelling reflects the pronunciation because each letter represents a specific sound. Overall, multiple pregnancy is a rare but important condition that requires medical attention and specialized care.
Multiple pregnancy is a medical condition characterized by the simultaneous development of two or more fetuses in the uterus of a pregnant woman. It occurs when multiple eggs are released and fertilized by multiple sperm, resulting in the conception of more than one embryo. This condition is commonly referred to as a “multiple pregnancy” or “multiple gestation.”
Multiple pregnancies can occur in different forms, including twins (two fetuses), triplets (three fetuses), quadruplets (four fetuses), or even higher-order multiples, such as quintuplets, sextuplets, or more. The number of fetuses in a multiple pregnancy depends on the number of eggs released and fertilized during the conception process.
Multiple pregnancies can be identified through various diagnostic techniques, including ultrasound imaging during prenatal check-ups or fertility treatments. The condition is associated with a higher risk of complications for both the mother and the developing fetuses, including premature birth, low birth weight, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and other health issues.
Management of multiple pregnancies often requires specialized medical care to monitor the health and development of both the mother and the fetuses. This may involve regular prenatal check-ups, more frequent ultrasounds, and consultations with obstetricians, perinatologists, and other healthcare professionals. Treatment plans and interventions may vary depending on the specific circumstances and potential risks involved.
Due to the increased complexities and potential risks associated with multiple pregnancies, expectant mothers are advised to seek medical guidance and follow the recommended prenatal care measures to ensure the best possible outcomes for both themselves and their babies.
The state of bearing two or more fetuses simultaneously.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "multiple" comes from the Latin word "multiplex", which means "many" or "numerous". It is derived from the combination of "multi-" (meaning "many") and "-plex" (meaning "fold" or "twist").
The word "pregnancy" has its origin in the Latin word "praegnantia", which means "gravidity" or "condition of being with child". It is derived from the combination of "prae-" (meaning "before") and "gnasci" (meaning "to be born" or "to beget").
Therefore, the term "multiple pregnancy" refers to the condition where a woman is carrying more than one fetus in her uterus at the same time.